Setting goals helps keep you organised and focused. Goal setting avoids time-wasting and procrastination if they are managed well. Goals need to be S.M.A.R.T.: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.
Having goals in life, gives us a sense of purpose and direction, they help turn dreams into reality and keep us going when the going gets tough. They help us to focus on why we started and why we want to keep going.
Research shows those who write down their goals are more than likely to achieve them. This can even be done in the form of a vision board or affirmation notes (aka sticky notes).
Telling someone your goals has shown to be another way to help individuals keep track and to stick with it. Telling someone keeps us accountable with that person cheering us on as we accomplish our goals.
Having a deadline is important, it helps measure progress and keeps you on track. When deadlines are not put in place there is no real sense of urgency, which can cause us to procrastinate.
Goals do not need to be huge; in fact, goals are easier to achieve when we break them down to bite-sized pieces doing a little each day. Martin Luther King said, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, you just take the first step”. When we take this approach toward the goals we have, we start to see the progress which in return keeps us motivated.
Perseverance is key when working towards a goal becomes, at some points, challenging. If your process to achieve your goal isn’t working, think of another way around the problem, even if it only moves you forward a tiny bit. Bit by bit, little by little you will get there and remember taking a break can sometimes be exactly what you need to clear your mind and think of another way to keep going.
When you reach your goal take time to celebrate it and thank those that helped you. Think about what you enjoyed and learned along the way. So, what’s your next goal?